We like scandals...but only for a moment. We like the titillating effect, the "ooh that was bad" moment, and the hint of danger. Then we move on.
We don't like to live in scandals because that would imply dealing with some of the darker, more sinister side of humanity. Stories about serial killers or killings last in the news for a few days, and then move on--we are interested to know that the killer was caught, piqued by just how bad he was, pleased to move on from that moment and not have that evil touch us again.
So it is with most scandals, and so it has been with Penn State. The nation was shocked at the revelations of a decade or more of depraved behavior on the part of a well-respected coach. Shocked again that so many people knew of the incidents and so few people did anything. Saddened to see the scandal bring down a coaching legend.
And then they moved on.
Move back, people! This scandal should NOT go away. We must not let our reaction to the Penn State scandal descend into indifference, like we do with so many other scandals. This scandal is perhaps the worst in major sports history--a town, a football program, and an entire university so blinded by football success that it let a pedophile prey on the most vulnerable of victims--at risk boys.
Joe Paterno knew this was happening. He knew it was going to be bad, so he fired the coach in question. He knew he might be liable--if not criminally then civilly--so he divested himself of assets. The university knew about the behavior and said, "We'll look the other way, just don't do that kind of stuff on campus." A janitor saw the behavior and did nothing, fearing the powerful assistant coach. A grad student stopped an incident, but didn't go to the police, or even resign his position in protest.
DO NOT MOVE ON, PEOPLE! Let's expose this scandal to the light, and learn from it. Read the Daily Collegian, which is not dismissing the scandal. Stay on top of this. Demand accountability from leaders of children--of all kinds, including well-respected coaches. And let's make sure that this type of indifference doesn't keep us from protecting the next group of vulnerable children from the next monster.
If you need a refresher on this horrific story, see parts one and two.
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